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Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Platform Shoes - A Brief History

Platform Shoes

Simply put, platform shoes are shoes with thick soles made from various types of materials such as plastic, cork, wood or rubber. The platform size can vary dramatically from an inch all the way up to several inches. New extreme platform shoes come up to an 8 inch platform heel.

Platform shoes can be traced back centuries and have an extensive history. Ancient civilizations used platform shoes for various reasons. It is believed that platform shoes were worn in Ancient Greece to enhance the appearance of theatre actors and actresses. In the 16th century, it is belived that Europeans worn platform shoes to keep their feet clean and dry in the muddy streets. When they would sink into the loose soil barren roads, the platform of the shoe would sink, keeping their feet clean and dry.

In the United States, platform shoes were first introduced in the 1920’s, but their popularity soared in the 1970’s. During the 1970’s the usual ¼ inch sole was replaced by the 2-4 inch platform sole. Unlike earlier eras, platform shoes in the United States did not serve any purpose other than being the perfect accessory on the disco dance floor. Platform shoes had become the ultimate fashion must have.

Today, not much has changed. People wear platform shoes for fashion reasons. Many women claim that wearing platform shoes makes their legs appear longer and thinner. Some wish for the additional inches that they feel enhance their appearance. In today’s Western Culture, it is the tall thin model that is portrayed as beautiful and sexy, so naturally, platform shoes are a cheap, effective way to enhance their appearance.

Platform shoes are available in a wide array of styles. This style of shoe can range from the mini platform, which is about an inch in height, to the extreme platform which can be as high as 12 inches, however, most platform goers do not wear a shoe with a platform with more than 7.5 inches. Some platform shoes feature high stiletto type heels while others have a chunkier base. Wedge style platform shoes are also very popular. Sexy sandal style platform shoes can be worn with nice evening attire. Platform shoes are available in any style or color in wide price ranges.

While platform shoes are quite the fashion trend, learning to walk in them can be a challenge. When learning to walk in platform shoes, it is best to choose a conservative height. Begin with a mini 1 or 2 inch platform shoe and work up in height as your comfort level increases. Take short strides always walking heel to toe. Balance is key when walking in platform shoes, so keeping your legs as strait as possible will also help. As your confidence rises with mini platforms, increase your platform height by ½ - 1 inch at a time.

Some platform shoes however may be much less of a challenge than others. Many platform shoes do not feature a high heel, rather the whole platform is at the same level, like a block. While these chunkier platform heels may be high in inches, they really are very easy to walk in.